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Cellulitis

Topic Overview

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common skin infection
that happens when bacteria spread through the skin to deeper tissues. Most cases are mild and last several days to a couple of weeks. But cellulitis can sometimes progress to a more serious infection, causing severe illness that affects the whole body (sepsis) or other dangerous problems.

Treatment is needed to help control the infection and reduce symptoms.

Some people are at higher risk for cellulitis, such as those who have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or edema. They also tend to get sicker from cellulitis. And they are more likely to get cellulitis again.

What causes cellulitis?

Cellulitis is caused by
bacteria, most often strep or staph. You can get infected after any event that causes a break in the skin, such as:

Sometimes cellulitis can occur even if there wasn't an obvious break in the skin.

What are the symptoms?

At first, the infected area
will be warm, red, swollen, and tender. If the infection spreads, you may have
a fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.

Cellulitis can occur anywhere
on the body. In adults, it often occurs on the legs, face, or arms. In
children, it is most common on the face or around the anus.

If you have signs of a skin infection, such as warmth, redness, swelling, or pain, see your doctor. Even minor infections may need to be treated.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors are often able to diagnose
cellulitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. In most cases,
you won't need further testing.

But tests sometimes may be done to find out what's causing your symptoms and to rule out other problems. For example, you may need blood tests, an ultrasound, or an imaging test such as a
CT scan or an
MRI.

How is it treated?

Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. If the infection is mild, you may be able to take antibiotic
pills at home.

If the infection is severe, you may need to be treated in a hospital so that you can get IV antibiotics directly into your bloodstream, along with any other care you may need.

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about
medicine and skin care. To help with your recovery and to feel better:

Take all of your medicine as
prescribed. Don't stop taking it just because you feel better. You need to take the full
course of antibiotics.

Elevate the affected area to reduce swelling. Warm compresses may also help.

Use pain relievers as needed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if they haven't started to improve within 48 hours (2 days) after you start taking antibiotics.

How can you prevent cellulitis?

If you are at
risk for cellulitis, you can take steps to help prevent it. If you've had cellulitis before, these steps may help prevent it from coming back.

Take good care of your skin. Keep it clean,
and use lotion to prevent drying and cracking.

Check your feet and
legs often. This is especially important if you have diabetes.

Treat any skin infection right away.

Ask your
doctor if you need to take antibiotics or other medicine on a regular basis to prevent
cellulitis.

If you have edema, ask your doctor about wearing compression stockings or sleeves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Places To Get Help

Organizations

American Academy of Dermatology

P.O. Box 4014

Schaumburg, IL 60168

Phone:

1-866-503-SKIN (1-866-503-7546) toll-free(847) 240-1280

Fax:

(847) 240-1859

Email:

MRC@aad.org

Web Address:

www.aad.org

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) provides information
about the care of skin. You can locate a dermatologist in your
area by using their "Find a Dermatologist" tool. Or you can read the latest news in dermatology. "SPOT Skin Cancer" is the AAD's program to reduce deaths from melanoma. There is also a link called "Skin Conditions" that has information about many common skin problems.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
(NIAID), National Institutes of Health

NIAID Office of Communications and Government Relations

6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612

Bethesda, MD 20892-6612

Phone:

1-866-284-4107 toll-free

Phone:

(301) 496-5717

Fax:

(301) 402-3573

TDD:

1-800-877-8339

Web Address:

www.niaid.nih.gov

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases conducts research and provides consumer information on infectious and
immune-system-related diseases.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.